Chelsea have appointed Reece James as their new captain ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign.
The defender takes over from Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta who departed the club for Atletico Madrid in July.
James told Chelsea’s official website: “I’m so happy to take on the role and responsibility, I know I’ve got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited.
“I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the Academy is tough. But to go on and become captain, it’s a great feeling for me and my family,” said James.
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino had given the armband to both James and Brazilian defender Thiago Silva in separate games on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America, but it is the 23-year-old who has been given the role for the coming season.
On the tour, Pochettino told the media that James was one of the options he was considering for the captaincy.
“I think he feels Chelsea. He came from the academy and he’s one of the players in the present and the future, who can be the captain of the club,” said Pochettino before their friendly with Newcastle United.
James also spoke of his interest in the role at the same press conference.
“I’ve been at Chelsea my whole life, it’s something I’ve always dreamt of. I’m sure when the time is right, hopefully it happens,” said James.
Of the current squad, James has the second-most Chelsea appearances in all competitions after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, making him one of the Blues’ senior players at 23 years-old.
When asked recently what he’d be like as a captain, James said: “Everyone has a different way of being a leader. Some speak, and some show their actions on the field but I think I could do both.
“There’s a lot of young players, I’ll definitely be one to help them where I can.”
READ MORE: Reece James on Chelsea’s struggles: ‘Some players probably didn’t want to be here’
